The CI guide

What is CI-CPH?
CI-CPH is short for Contact Improvisation Copenhagen. CI-CPH is a non-profit organisation that offers classes, jams, workshops and other events related to contact improvisation. CI-CPH is also a community full of competent teachers, skilled musicians, enthusiastic volunteers and of course wonderful dancers.

What is contact improvisation?
Contact improvisation is an amazing dance technique that will develop your sense of body, space and presence – a great tool for partner work, discovery and re-alignment. The training is a fun combination of technical exploration, research and dance improvisation. CI is a playful and open form; a technique constantly being developed by dancers and teachers all over the world.

What are the benefits of contact improvisation?
CI makes your body confident and aware, and it brings back our natural sense of connectivity, rhythm and responding from the body. CI training helps you move in the “now” and regain the confidence and playfulness of childhood play, to reconnect within the body. Contact improvisation, like the name implies, allows you to be in dialogue and connect physically with other dancers, explore and learn in a safe, and playful, environment.

What can I expect from a class?
CI is equally popular among men and women, and CI partner work is not gender specific; you dance with both same and opposite sex. There are no specific steps, but principles and techniques to be explored, and we work both on floor and in the air. The basic techniques are available to anyone who likes to move and dance.
The class is usually around a specific topic, and open to all levels, unless otherwise stated. You will engage with your whole body, wear soft, comfortable clothes, t-shirt w long sleeves and training pants.

What is a jam?
A jam is an open forum for practicing Contact Improvisation, much like a social dance floor in other types of partner dancing. To attend a jam, you need to have a basic knowledge of contact improvisation, take at least 2-3 classes before. Some jams are guided, some have live music, some have snacks, some have many people, some have few, some you can bring your children – all jams are unique.
A jam is our forum to learn and challenge yourself, to develop your personal dance experience and style. A wonderful way to connect with new dance partners, to meet new and old friends, to move, dance, explore, connect and improvise with other dancers.

How do I join?
Come and try. (Tell the teacher it is your first time and let him or her know if you have any injuries that needs attention) Just ask us if you have any questions.